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Press Release

Franklinton Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SIDNEY RAY COTTON,  age 33, of Franklinton, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey.  The defendant previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on or about March 21, 2016, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, COTTON, who had been convicted of simple robbery in the Twenty-Second Judicial Court, did knowingly possess in and affecting interstate commerce a firearm, specifically, a Norinco, Model SKS, serial number H7224.

Judge Zainey sentenced COTTON to forty-six (46) months imprisonment to be followed by a three (3) year term of supervised release.  COTTON must also pay a $100 special assessment.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Kennedy is in charge of the prosecution.

Updated May 9, 2018